The Abundant Blooms of Spring

            Of the many colorful blooms that spring brings to our gardens, azaleas can be one of the most eye catching shows of nature. An azalea can be so covered with flowers that it is hard to believe there is a plant underneath somewhere.

            Azaleas are rewarding not only for their abundant blooms but are versatile when it comes to sun exposure. There are over two thousand available varieties, some of which grow in the sun and others in partial or complete shade. See your local nursery for the variety best suited for the exposure in your yard. If you are wondering if your azalea might be getting too much sun, look for bleaching or burning in the center of the leaves. An azalea can be transplanted into a shadier spot if it is receiving too much sun.

            Too much shade, on the other hand, can make a sun-loving azalea look lanky and bloom sparsely. A sunnier location will make that azalea thrive.

            An azalea’s soil requirements are different than many other landscape plants. They require acidic soil. They love consistently moist soil but need air in the root zone. A poorly draining soil will give your azalea plenty of moisture but not the air it needs. Azaleas in poorly draining soil look yellow, wilted and on the verge of collapse. There are many good azalea planting mixes available at your local nursery, or you can make your own with a mixture of peat moss to increase acidity and organic matter. Organic matter retains moisture and drains well.

            When planting azalea in the ground, be sure to plant the top of the root ball slightly above the soil level. Do not allow the soil to wash in and bury the stem. Stem rot may occur if the stem gets buried. Since azaleas have many surface roots, a mulch of fine bark or oak leaves will work well to insulate them from the elements.

            Azaleas need only to be fertilized from when growth starts in spring until August. Fertilize once a month with an acid fertilizer. Follow the fertilizer label directions carefully. After bloom, azaleas can be pruned. Do not prune before blooming since potential flowers would be removed. Pinch the tips of branches back frequently until August for a compact and lush plant. Make your yard a riot of color with abundantly blooming azaleas.

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